AI boom drives PCB material shortages and semiconductor logistics surge in Taiwan

The rapid expansion of the artificial intelligence sector is creating significant supply chain pressures within the semiconductor and logistics industries in Taiwan. In the printed circuit board (PCB) sector, the demand for high-end materials such as copper-clad laminates (CCL), glass fabric, and copper foil is outpacing production capacity expansion. Analysts note that as AI servers transition to higher specifications, the speed of material upgrades is exceeding the rate at which manufacturers can scale up production.

This material shortage is driving up costs and prices, with high-end CCL prices reaching two to eight times those of mid-to-low-end products. Major players are responding by increasing raw material inventories and making strategic investments to secure supply chains.

Simultaneously, the AI boom is reshaping semiconductor logistics. The demand for transporting high-value chips and AI servers has led to a surge in air cargo demand, particularly on routes connecting Taiwan to North America and Southeast Asia. Logistics providers like FedEx and major airlines such as EVA Air and Evergreen Aviation report that AI-related cargo now accounts for a significant portion of their freight revenue. The industry is shifting toward a multi-center logistics model to support global production hubs in regions like Vietnam, Thailand, and Mexico.